Transfer Talk: Xavi keen to offload ex-team-mates as Toon eye Jones

New boss Xavi is reportedly keen to offload multiple senior players as he looks to rebuild Barcelona. 

Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto are four household names that could see their time at the Camp Nou end sooner rather than later.

Left-back Alba, 32, is keen to join up with former team-mate Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, according to El Nacional.

Barca are struggling financially and were forced to rely on free transfers during the summer. 

They are looking to reduce their wage bill and the sale of the quartet, who all played alongside their new manager, would give Xavi the perfect opportunity to stamp his mark on the team.

Pique and Busquets both debuted for Barca in 2008 and have won eight LaLiga titles since breaking through. 

But with a host of young talent fighting their way into the first team, the club's older players have seen their game time reduced. 

There is certainly a need for Barca to rebuild in the coming months — they currently sit ninth in the Spanish top flight and second in their Champions League group.

Focus is key for Maitland-Niles

Ainsley Maitland-Niles insists his focus is purely on Arsenal after publicly announcing his desire to leave North London during the summer. 

The England international, 24, put in a man-of-the-match performance during his side's 1-0 win over Watford on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, he said: "I am just thinking about the future and what’s ahead of me.

"It was great to be out there today, getting my minutes, and hopefully there is more to come."

Maitland-Niles was keen on a move to Everton earlier this year but is now pushing to become one of Mikel Arteta's regulars. 

In other news

El Nacional claim Real Madrid playmaker Marco Asensio could leave the club if their £35million valuation is met amid interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.

Up to 13 clubs are interested in signing Phil Jones, according to The Sun, with Newcastle and Watford among the Premier League sides interested in the 29-year-old Manchester United defender.

Italian outlet Calciomercato suggest Juventus are willing to allow midfielder Aaron Ramsey to leave for free — despite the Welshman still having 18 months left on his contract.

Tottenham and Barcelona could be set to battle it out for Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic. The Italian club are said to be demanding £60m.